State of Civil Society Report 2017

About This Report

Each year the CIVICUS State of Civil Society Report examines the major events that involve and affect civil society around the world. Our report reviews the past year, focusing on the space for civil society - civic space - and the impact of a resurgence of right-wing populist politics; the right to express dissent; protest movements; and civil society’s international-level actions. A special thematic section presents 27 guest articles from thought leaders around the world, exploring the often troublesome, yet potentially beneficial, relationships between civil society and the private sector.

Civil Society and the Private Sector

As business continues to grow in influence globally, the State of Civil Society Report discusses serious concerns over private sector practices that are leading to increased human rights abuses and attacks on fundamental freedoms. The report proposes, as a minimum starting point, a ‘first do no harm’ principle. But it asks the private sector to go beyond this and make an active commitment to work with civil society to uphold the rule of law, human rights and people’s rights to the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression.

Executive Summary

Just three per cent of the world’s population live in countries where civic space is fully open. Given the growing global role of business, this year’s report sets out an urgent need to make the business case for civic space.

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Thematic Overview

The report calls for greater civil society engagement with the private sector, and new relationships, based on honesty, transparency, respect and shared commitment to advance common goals.


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Guest Essays

27 freshly commissioned articles from our members and partners present a thought-provoking range of insights, full of practical ideas for civil society to influence, work with and address the power of the private sector.


English

Year In Review

A resurgence of right-wing populism presents a new threat to civil society, adding to the unprecedented levels of restriction that civil society faces. The report reviews the past year, focusing on the space for civil society and the current crisis of democracy; the right to express dissent; protest movements; and civil society’s international-level actions.

New Democratic Crisis

Freedom of Expression

Protest: Citizens in Action

International Governance

State of Civil Society in Your Country

Close to real-time data and empirical evidence on the state of civil society in 195 countries.

New interactive tool provides overview and rating of civic space at the national and regional level. See how civic rights are being protected or violated in your country.
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